Burroughes Bldg, The (645 Queen W @ Bathurst, Queen St Partners, 6s)

[Greg29Toronto]

It's not about stroking ego for everyone, it's as simple as giving something if we choose to do so, if not, keep walking. The problem with homelessness obviously lies much deeper than can be discussed in this thread.
The good folks at the Beer Store and LCBO are trained to deal with, and refuse anyone who appears drunk... whether it be a Bay Street guy having a bad day, or a homeless guy. I don't get why anyone would refuse to sell a bottle of mouthwash or toothpaste to anyone if they are paying for it.

 

[Ed007Toronto]

Would you sell mouthwash to someone you know will be drinking it?

 

[Chuck100]

Sorry, I have no sympathy. Has anyone here ever arrived home and been scared to death because a bum decided to occupy your front steps? Do not give homeless people change, and don't give them warm drinks on cold days. Don't give them any reason to stay on the streets.

As cdl said, the most compassionate thing we can do is give our money to charity. Providing proper shelters, assistance, and better opportunities for them to lead productive lives is not only good for us, but it's exactly what they need. Dropping money in their hand does nothing but reinforce the cycle and encourage them to stay.

Also, public space belongs to those who contribute to it through taxes. Homeless people pay no property tax, therefore they have no right to occupy municipally owned public space such as parks, benches, or sidewalks.

 

[dob467]

That must have been an absolutely terrifying experience to find a person in front of your home!! Did you have to ask them to move? God that sounds awful, I can't think of anything worse to deal with in life.

You're right though, people who don't pay taxes shouldn't be walking the streets of Toronto. With that logic, let's ban tourists from visiting. T

hat really is a knee-jerk reaction. Who pays taxes is actually much more complicated. Many people on the street have jobs where they make minimum wage. So yes, they pay taxes, but just simply can't afford to live as affluently as many would prefer to neighbours to live. As well, others receive supports from the federal government, which often times is then clawed back by the province. This topic is somewhat more complicated than this thread allows. But let's please not just rant and rave about things we really know little about.

 

[tudararms]

The argument is that of 'thinking' you're helping somebody when in fact you are just facilitating. If you feel the need to alleviate you're own sense of guilt or compassion or whatever then give to the United Way or Salvation Army or whatever other charity rocks your boat. Allowing derelicts and vagrants to live on the streets and squat wherever they please just doesn't help anything or anyone. All it does is create other problems. Still, that is the most politically correct and expedient response to the problem though, isn't it? Defend a specious notion that people who for the most part are clearly not in their right mind to be responsible for their behaviour or choices somehow have the inalienable right to make public space their home no matter what the consequences to others, but toss a nickel in the hat and move on because it's not on 'your' doorstep. Nice.